Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais in Stornoway has seen a surge of new members since opening its upgraded gym, with the facility going "non-stop".
The Lewis Sports Centre upgrade, which was part of a wider capital funding investment across all four Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Western Isles Gyms, was completed at the end of June.
The investment in the new gym has brought a boost to membership numbers since reopening, with more than 200 applications made across the summer . New interest contributed to an average increase of nearly 40 per cent in gym visits for the month of July compared to May, before the upgrade.
Since reopening, the Lewis Sports centre has recorded more than 8,000 visits to the new gym, with members scoring the new facility a very impressive 9.5/10 in their feedback survey.
The responses from members have highly praised the "transformed" look, layout and feel of the new gym, as well as the increase in plate-loaded weight machines and the installation of the bespoke strength and conditioning room.
Once all the work was complete, the gym was reopened by footballer Rachael Johnstone from Balallan, a current Scottish Women's Premier League champion with Hearts.
The facility at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais now includes a full range of new and improved equipment across the gym and a new strength and conditioning room has been developed, utilising additional space and providing extra capacity.
New gym flooring has been laid, with design features added in the form of new Gaelic signage, fresh paint and the addition of speakers and feature lighting, to give the gym a more modern feel. A particular highlight with both staff and members has been the artwork provided as lifting platforms by local artist and Slàinte Mhath member, EJDesign.
Mike Stone, the Facilities Operations Manager at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais, said that with the new upgrades, the team noticed a dramatic difference in visitors throughout the summer season.
He said: “The summer has historically been a little quieter in the gym with folks away on holiday or making the most of the better weather, however this summer has been non-stop in the new gym. There is a fantastic atmosphere in the gym and among the members, who are delighted with their new facility and the additional opportunities it brings them in achieving their goals.
“The strength and conditioning room has been a particular highlight for many. However, the new look and feel of the place, as well as the expanded choice of improved equipment has made the gym a massive hit with members and we are delighted to have this fantastic facility available in the centre now.”
Mike went on to say the response from members has been “hugely positive”, adding that the improved atmosphere made it a place “people want to spend time in”.
He said: “The project has been the culmination of a huge amount of work for the service, so to see the new facility being received so positively has made all of the work worthwhile.”
He shared some positive feedback with welovestornoway.com, coming from Slàinte Mhath members who have made use of the new gym and its facilities.
One member said: “Amazing facility. The refurbishment was incredible and so much better than the previous gym. In particular the addition of leg equipment really makes a huge difference with an overall much more modern, sleek vibe.”
Another added: “If the new look gym doesn’t motivate you, I don’t know what will. Overall very impressed.”
Another member said the range and quality of the equipment was “fantastic”. They said: “Loads of machines for leg training especially now is such an improvement on the sole leg press before. The number of squat racks and range of cardio machines are great too.”
